Get Started the Right Way For Success In The End

When do I plant my banana trees?
You will want to start planting when the soil is warm, usually in March. If you are planting in a raised bed, you can plant even sooner. Because of our intense summer heat, it is better to start in spring or early summer to give the young plant a chance to establish itself and anchor a sufficient root system.

Where do I plant my banana trees?
Their preferred location is a southern to southeast side of your home sheltered from the wind. Your best bet is to plant near a building, roof overhang or warm garden wall that will not only offer wind protection but protection for the plant stalk as well. Bananas love the sun and heat. Choose a spot where they will have the most light during the day so that may manufacture the energy needed to produce fruit. Keep in mind that a single banana plant may produce a stalk of bananas in about 18 months if the conditions are ideal. Sometimes you may wait two or more years to reap your first banana bounty.

How do I plant my banana trees?
Before you plant your banana tree, make sure you test your soil’s ability to drain properly. Bananas require well-draining organic soil that is rocky and has lava sand, much like you would find in Hawaii. Check out Kellogg’s Palm & Cactus mix available at Lowe’s. Similar potting soils can be found at many of your local gardening centers. First, dig your hole to root ball level and about two times the width of the root ball. Refill with about two-thirds of mix and one-third native soil. Finally, add about 2 to 4 inches of compost or humus rich soil around your plant and water well. It is a good idea to create a berm about a foot or so around your stalk that will serve as a watering basin.